Short Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polycarbonate Composites

Abstract

Factors affecting the performance of short fiber-reinforced polymer (SFRP) composites are reviewed with an emphasis on the factors such as fiber orientation and volume fraction, fiber length, and matrix–fiber interfacial properties. The review is followed by a case study on short carbon fiber-reinforced polycarbonate (PC) composites of varying volume fraction (1 %, 3 %, 5 %, 7 %, 10 %, and 15 %). Tensile and three bending tests reveal an increase in the modulus and yield strength of the composites with increasing fiber content. To evaluate the effect of interface in each matrix and fiber system with changing matrix mobility dynamic mechanical analysis is performed, which reveal an increase in the storage modulus of the composites and a shift in the glass transition temperature caused by the introduction of CFs. The surface morphology of the fractured specimens revealed homogenous dispersion of CF in the polymer matrix.